Our New England weather has certainly been cold, often limiting the amount of time we can spend outdoors. A quick walk around the block or playing on the porch is usually enough time for children to release some energy and to breathe in the good fresh air that helps to get rid of germs and helps keep our bodies healthy. But during these cold months, children usually need more activities to do to help build their curiosity, creativity, and self-expression. As I have said in the past, Danbury has a wealth of opportunities for families. First, the Danbury Public Library offers programs for all ages, for example, Take your Child to the Library on Saturday, February 7, from 10:30 to 1. No registration is necessary. Valentine’s Fun or Cozy Winter Grab and Go Kits for younger children and activities for teens, including Making Spring Rolls for Chinese New Year, sewing, gardening, and chess club, all require registration. To find out more about activities, visit danburylibrary.org

Danbury Public Schools offers Play to Learn Playgroups for children ages birth to 5 at the Preschool Center at 17 Cottage St. on Wednesday mornings at 9:30 and the Morris St Family Resource Center on Thursday mornings from 10:30 am to noon. Both playgroups offer learning centers, crafts, snacks, time to network with other parents, reading and learning about children’s growth and development, through the Ages and Stages. All are free of charge, and no registration is necessary.

Kindergarten registration is open for children who turn 5 by September 1 of this year. More information can be found at https://www.danbury.k12.ct.us/2025-2026-kindergarten-registration/. The Danbury Public Schools School Readiness program is taking applications for 3- and 4-year-olds for next September. The inquiry form to apply is available at https://www.danbury.k12.ct.us/school-readiness-waitlist-form/.

Over the next three months, there will be a series of workshops and seminars that include “All Pro Dads,” a programs for dads to have breakfast with their children at the Morris St. School, followed by discussions, two transition workshops on how best to prepare your children for the transition to kindergarten and from 5th grade to 6th grade, the Danbury Academies – the new Danbury High School model, and Parents Supporting Educational Excellence, People Empowering People. Save the date for Family University on Saturday, April 25 at 10:00. Family University is a daylong event, with a focus on supporting school gardens and increasing fresh produce in school meals. Ellsworth Ave., Morris St., and Park Ave. Schools all have school gardens and are looking for families to participate in the growing activities. For more information on school gardens or Family University, contact the Office of Family, School, and Community Partnerships at 203-797-4734.

Lastly, as the weather does get warmer and the snowbanks melt, we have many great hills for sliding, trails for walking or snowshoeing, and city parks with swings and other outdoor activities. It will get warmer, I promise, and spring will be here before we know it. Look forward to my next article on spring activities.

Anne E. Mead, Ed. D. is the director of Family, School, and Community Partnerships for Danbury Public Schools. She can be reached at 203-830-6508 or by email at meadan@danburyu.k12.ct.us.